Donald Tong has assumed the post of Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, the most senior representative of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region Government in the US.

As Commissioner, he engages in constituency-building activities across the US and directs the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's efforts to enhance Hong Kong-US cultural, economic, and trade ties. Mr. Tong also oversees the work of the three Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Washington D.C., New York and San Francisco.

"Hong Kong's relationship with the US has been characterized by cooperation on a range of issues, such as economic and trade development, counter terrorism and global health protection," said Mr. Tong.

"Beyond our valued partnerships and market-based philosophies, we also share many common values. We are committed to a free and open society, buttressed by our rule of law tradition, independent judiciary, and clean and efficient government.

"As Commissioner, I look forward to sharing the Hong Kong success story and promoting Hong Kong-US ties to friends and partners in the US"

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Tong was Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs, responsible for policy formulation on a wide range of subjects, including development of social enterprise, promotion of civic education and human rights, legal aid, and religious and data privacy matters. He was also responsible for the organization of the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events held in Hong Kong.

Mr. Tong has worked in various government departments and bureaus, including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department where, as Deputy Director-General, he oversaw provision of public environmental hygiene facilities and outsourced services across the territory.

He worked in the New Airport Projects Coordination Office which oversaw the construction of Hong Kong International Airport, the Airport Railway, and the associated reclamation and highways projects.

Mr. Tong also worked as then Deputy Secretary for Environment, responsible for policy formulation over waste management, sewage treatment, promotion of environmental education, and energy efficiency.

Mr. Tong served as the then First Secretary in the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, D.C. from 1991 to 1994.

From 1997 to 2000, he was Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, Canada.